Writing 101: write whatever it is that you're writing. Then go back and cut out every single word that ends in 'ly'. Re-read. 99 times out of 100, you didn't need that word.

Examples:

I'm very happy that you really liked your present! I seriously hoped that you would totally dig it. - No 'ly' words are needed in this sentence. In fact, they make it sound juvenile.

The idea of 'of the people, for the people, by the people' necessarily entails a democratic setting - The one 'ly' word in this sentence could be left out, if you're trying to edit for space, or it could be left in, if you think it makes a stylistic difference.

When removing the pan from the over, release the handle quickly, or you will be burned! - The 'ly' word is necessary to the meaning of the sentence. Removing it will substantively (ha!) alter the meaning of the sentence.

/ each semester, I have to give this tutorial to at least one undergrad...

Sometimes I feel that the actual events of the world are so far removed from my hopes and expectations that I am forced to exclaim the rhetorical question, asking if what is real is real, as a way of pleading with reality to drop the cruel and endless charade of absurdity and simply reveal a world that both works and makes sense.

But rather than going for a mediocre and over stylized rant about existential stress suitable for a first year philosophy-psych double major, I just ask "Really?"

whistleridge:Writing 101: write whatever it is that you're writing. Then go back and cut out every single word that ends in 'ly'. Re-read. 99 times out of 100, you didn't need that word.

Examples:

I'm very happy that you really liked your present! I seriously hoped that you would totally dig it. - No 'ly' words are needed in this sentence. In fact, they make it sound juvenile.

The idea of 'of the people, for the people, by the people' necessarily entails a democratic setting - The one 'ly' word in this sentence could be left out, if you're trying to edit for space, or it could be left in, if you think it makes a stylistic difference.

When removing the pan from the over, release the handle quickly, or you will be burned! - The 'ly' word is necessary to the meaning of the sentence. Removing it will substantively (ha!) alter the meaning of the sentence.

/ each semester, I have to give this tutorial to at least one undergrad...

my dad has been using that on job sites for over 20 years.its a simple exclamation at the idiocy of whoever he is dealing with at the time.it is usually at the end of a profanity laced tyraid.THIS MOTHERFARKER WANTS US TO SOMEHOW MOVE THE COLUMN BOLTS IN THE FARKING CONCRETE OVER 4 INCHES BECAUSE THE CONCRETE FARKWADS BLEW IT AND DIDNT CHECK THE GRIDLINES?REALLY?REALLY?then he usually walks off and a sane person handles the negotiations from there.hello change orders.